How the World Says Hello

All around the world, people greet each other and dress in their own special ways. These customs are passed down through families, and many are very old.

In Japan, people often bow while they say hello. The bow shows respect, and the deeper the bow, the more polite it is. Traditional Japanese dress, the kimono, is wrapped around the body and fastened with a wide belt called an obi. There are no buttons; the whole garment is held in place by folding and tying.

In India, many people press their hands together and say “Namaste.” Women may wear a sari, a long piece of cloth that is wrapped and fastened without a single stitch. It is one piece, yet it can be worn in various ways throughout the country.

In parts of Scotland, men used to wear a kilt for special days, fastened with pins and buckles. People would exchange a firm handshake as a greeting.

These customs may seem different, but they share one thing. Each is a warm way of saying: you are welcome here.